Featured Shows
Speaking Suns at Leader Bank Pavilion- Boston, MA
Speaking Suns, a five-man folk/experimental rock band based out of Yellow Springs, OH, played support to Caamp tonight in Boston. The band dates back to 2010 and their fourth album, Terrestrial Year, was released just before the pandemic. They opened with their latest single titled “100” and quickly turned a small crowd into filled seats with concertgoers all in to rock out for the rest of their set.
The set list included “Cinder”, “Get Along”, “Talk to You”, “Out of Range” and “Disenchanted”, and each song seemed to gain in rock and roll energy laying down a great energy that the crowd eagerly picked up.
The Head and The Heart at McMenamins Edgefield
The Head and The Heart in concert at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon, photos by Julia Varga
A hot sweaty afternoon in Portland meant it was going to be the perfect warm evening at Edgefield and a perfect night for a show. Despite the sun blaring right down on the middle, dedicated fans crowded the rail early and were not abandoning their spots to see their favorite band up close.
The Head and The Heart came out to a thoughtfully pretty set design, playing some of their known favorites like, “Rivers and Roads” and “Lost in My Mind”, making way for newer tunes later in the set.
Shakey Graves at PDX LIVE
Shakey Graves plays PDX LIVE in Pioneer Square Courthouse in Portland, OR photos by Julia Varga
If you ever get a chance to see Shakey Graves, don’t pass it up; there’s an incredible performance to witness! I’ve been listening to Shakey Graves for a few years now and was super excited to see they were coming to Portland for a late summer show. I was not disappointed. At all. Had it not been for work in LA calling for a super early flight the next morning, I would have stayed until the house lights came up.
His insanely overloaded but very well-queued fog machine set a mysterious scene that perfectly accessorized his unique, beautifully deep, and at times haunting voice. And he had fans! Well-placed fans blew both his hair and the artificial fog around making this photographer’s heart sing! Their production was well done; the lighting and operator were on point, those aforementioned fog machines were so cool, even for an outdoor venue in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It was a fun show and I really enjoyed live versions of some of my (and seemingly the other 2000 people’s) favorite songs like “Roll the Bones”, “Pansy Waltz (Fuck you Kelly!)”, and a wonderfully fun duet of '“Dearly Departed”, with opener Jade Bird.
Catch some Shakey Graves out there in the world and you’re in for a treat.
Joseph - Topaz Farm
Joseph at Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island near Portland, OR
Joseph, named after their grandfather’s home town, are currently on tour supporting The Shins. The band, Natalie and her twin sisters Allie and Meegan, accompanied by a single electric accoustic guitar took the stage and put on one helluva rocking show. If their opening shows for The Shins are anything like the show they put on at the farm, the Shins’ fans are getting pumped up good and proper! These ladies’ soulful harmonies were visibly enjoyed under the long shady branches of a 500-year-old oak tree at the magnificent one-of-a-kind Topaz Farm venue.
Rising Appalachia - the Crystal Ballroom
Multi-instrumentalist sisters Leah and Chloe Smith brought their unique blend of southern roots and globally influenced American Appalacian music to Portland. And what a transcendental experience!
With music comprised from American folk, world, and urban sounds, you not only listen to the music, you experience the music. From the deep percussive beats of the drums and bass, to the light picking of the banjo, their passion is felt throughout.
Championing social and racial justice, environmental issues, and Indigenous rights, Rising Appalachia’s music is just one way to deliver their message.
Dustbowl Revival- Crystal Ballroom
I’ll be honest, I had only heard the name Dustbowl Revival in passing, so when I saw them supporting The Infamous Stringdusters, I thought I’d jump on the show….and I’m so glad I did. I was simply enthralled with their performance and feel lucky that I caught their set.
From the minute they hit the stage, the Los Angeles-based band blew me away with their high energy and good vibes. Their self-described American Roots music got the crowd vibing with folk-rock inspired tunes that seemed to go from 60 to 100 in no time.
This ain’t your typical folk or folk rock band; they have brass! A trombone and trumpet take their show to can’t-help-but-dance heights. Singer Lashon Halley is an absolute pleasure to watch as she moves, grooves, and exudes every note she sings.
CAAMP at The Greek Theatre Los Angeles
Caamp concert at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles photos by Julia Varga
A new album titled Lavender Days inevitably brings all things lavender; Ohio based CAAMP did not disappoint when they walked on stage at the Greek. Looking Beatles-esque in their lavender suits, the folk/Americana group, led by lead singer/guitarist Taylor Meier, and made complete by bassist Matt Vinson, guitar/banjoist Evan Westfall, keyboardist Joe Kavalec and drummer Henry Allen, opened the show with “Come with me Now”. Also their album opener, the song’s quiet start that builds to a beautiful melodious crescendo is the perfect invitation to listen, live or otherwise. The band roared through crowd-anticipated hits from their previous albums such as “Hey Joe”, “By & BY” and “26” and were rewarded with the packed theater belting out every lyric right along with them.
The album released on June 24, 2022 will have its hits. A current favorite, titled “The Otter”, was played mid-set to a crowd that lovingly sang each and every word and refrain accomplishing the feel-good vibes only a solid summer sing-along can evoke.
The encore brought out a solo Taylor Meier to play the timeless acoustic “Strawberries”. The entirety of the Greek went absolutely silent, so as not to miss a single heartfelt inflection. Meier went on to describe the beauty of how a single voice memo of him playing “Sure Of” made it on to the album as the final song in its raw form; once again, the crowd listened with intent in complete quietude as it was played for only the second time live.
Meier brought the band back out for the final songs of the night and the set turned into a full on rock show with the now famous and brilliantly executed mix of “Believe” and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and finally coming to a rock star finale as Allen and Meier switched things up with Meier belting out “Going to the Country” from behind the drums.
Lavender Days tour continues up the coast with stops in Santa Barbara and Berkeley, CA. More tour info at www.caamptheband.com
John Craigie & Shook Twins with Lo Steele at Topaz Farm
John Craigie and Shook Twins with Lo Steele at Topaz Farms on Sauvie Island, OR photos by Julia Varga
Topaz Farm located on Sauvie Island, just north of Portland, provided the perfect venue for a midweek summer concert from John Craigie & Shook Twins with support from Lo Steele.
With happy farm owners, Jim and Kat, on-site, a friendly staff, and all the farm animals a heart could want, Topaz farm is truly just as sweet as can be. The massive 500-year-old oak tree provided the perfect backdrop for the stage, while the quintessential summer aromas of cooking brats and perfectly poured local cider, beer, and wine wafted through the warm air. The crowd mingled effortlessly as they awaited some great folk tunes amongst the grassy field dotted with colorful blankets and beach chairs.
Singer and songwriter Lo Steele kicked the show off with her sultry blues.
As the sun began to lower, John Craigie & Shook Twins took stage. They entertained the sold out crowd with their folk tunes, gleams of soul, and John’s trademark comedic storytelling until the cool breeze came off the river and the stars came out to end a perfect evening of music at the farm.
CAAMP - Salvage Station- Asheville, NC
CAAMP started their touring season with a stop at Salvage Station in Asheville, North Carolina.
The crowd sang along to almost every song, even encouraging the band to continue “Autumn Leaves”, singing “MI amor, no esta aqui” until the band joined in. The band brought great energy and put on a fun lively show.
Set List:
No Sleep
Just Wonderin’
Huckleberry Love
Autumn Leaves
Books
Penny Heads UP
Light
So Long, Honey
Vagabond
I Keep Going
See the World
Apple Tree Blues
By and By
Peach Fuzz
Fever
Encore
Strawberries
Officer Of Love
Believe / War Pigs
Molly Tuttle and The Golden Highway -Mississippi Studios
Molly and The Golden Highway brought the fast-paced energy of bluegrass to Mississippi Studios in Portland
Houndmouth - The Wonder Ballroom
Celebrating their new album, Good for You, Houndmouth amped up the sold out crowd at the Wonder Ballroom, bringing in Sam Filatreau on bass.
Buffalo Nichols - The Wonder Ballroom
Draped in darkness and a deep voice, Buffalo Nichols stunned the crowd with an amazing set of sorrowful blues.
Sierra Ferrell - The Aladdin Theater
Sierra Ferrell brought her gyspy-jazz-not-your-typical-country to a sold out crowd in Portland. High energy and genre bending Sierra had the crowd breaking the rules to dance in the aisles.
Sarah Jarosz - Revolution Hall
Grammy award winning Sarah Jarosz brought her Americana roots folk to Portland where her rendition of U2’s “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” had the crowd unified and intently singing along.
Infamous Stringdusters - The Crystal Ballroom
The Infamous Stringdusters proved, once again, that they are the ultimate electrifying bluegrass jam band.
John Craigie - Let it Be (Lonely) - Mississippi Studios
Folk singer songwriter and fabulously entertaining storyteller, John Craigie, sang the Beatles “Let it Be”.
Sumbuck - The Burl
Sumbuck in concert at The Burl in Lexington, KY
photos by Julia Varga
Sumbuck brings dreamy midwest tunes wherever they go and we were lucky to catch them at The Burl in Lexington, KY, with friends and fellow GJenny Lou Records (founded by Taylor Meier) tribe, Matt Vinson- The Wonderfool. and Sam Filiatreau.
Sumbuck’s front man, smoky voiced Taylor Meier, drips with wistful heartbreak in “Heartbreak Swing”, covering his face from the crowd, as rueful lyrics pour from him seemingly so easily.
And in the next moment, just as easily as heartbreak pours, so does a playful swinging romance in the song “Spin” enticing the crowd to grab their neighbor and give it a good two step. The crowd clearly enamored by Meier, with his caramel bourbon croon and midwest devilish smile, his own lyrics were sang right back at him, resulting in what seems like a genuine appreciation for the crowd knowing each and every word; which is handy, when leaving out a few of them, the crowd was happy to pitch in
Sumbuck is Taylor Meier on lead vocals and guitar, Matt Vinson on guitar, Brandon Maclean on bass, Joe Kavalac on keys, and David Byrne on drums.
Of note for the night, they honestly look like they are having a blast, and I think we can all relate to that feeling.
Love :
”Spin”
”Run So Wild”
”Lasso”
photos by Julia Varga
Ezra Bell - Mississippi Studios
A show 2 years in the waiting; Ezra Bell made their hometown appearance and fans couldn’t have been happier. Seeing Ezra Bell live really can’t be explained; it must be experienced.
